Prime Video‘s Bloodaxe has added a Bridgerton star to its cast: Find out who

Prime Video is fueling anticipation for Bloodaxe, its epic new drama that plunges into Norse legend, by adding familiar talent from Bridgerton. The series explores the riveting true tale of Erik Bloodaxe, a Viking warrior with an iron will, and his wife Gunnhild, a woman whose reputation is built on both political savvy and whispered sorcery.

Created and spearheaded by Vikings mastermind Michael Hirst and his son Horatio, the show is already generating buzz for its sweeping storytelling and gritty visual style. Now, the spotlight has turned toward Jessica Madsen, best known to global audiences as the razor-tongued Cressida Cowper from Bridgerton.

In Bloodaxe, she takes on the role of Gunnhild, often referred to as the Mother of Kings, whose fierce ambition and royal influence made her one of the most compelling figures of 10th-century Scandinavia. Madsen’s casting adds depth and star power, promising a performance that will resonate with fans of both royal courtroom intrigue and raw Viking drama.

Who was Gunnhild, and why is she called the Mother of Kings?

Gunnhild’s story is full of ambition, clever moves, and lasting influence. There are two main beliefs about her origins. Some say she was a Danish royal, while others believe she had ties to Norwegian nobility.

Regardless of which story is closer to the truth, she became powerful after she married Erik and helped him take the Norwegian throne. Old Norse sagas paint a complicated picture of her. She was praised for her beauty and her welcoming nature, but also feared for her sharp mind and rumored use of magic.

One wild tale even says she learned Finnish witchcraft, then had her teachers killed so they couldn’t use it against her. After Erik’s brutal rise to power, which included killing his own brothers, Gunnhild stepped into the spotlight.

She wasn’t just a queen. She became a true political force. She acted as regent and made sure her sons took powerful roles across Norway and Denmark. That’s why she earned the title konungamóðir, meaning Mother of Kings.

Also Read: Bridgerton Season 4 first look photos revealed, featuring Penelope and Colin's highly anticipated return

Who was Erik Bloodaxe? A fearless fighter and a king on the run

If you loved the world-built drama of Vikings or the emotional highs of Bridgerton, Bloodaxe offers a rare bridge between them. It’s an uncharted slice of Viking noble life, with magic, political intrigue, betrayals, and marriage alliances.

Not part of the Vikings canon, it’s connected through creative lineage, delivering fresh faces and new history. Jessica Madsen fans get to see her in warrior garb, navigating shields and courts instead of balls and bonnets. And history lovers get a series grounded in saga tradition, with coins, bloody battles, and a queen’s legacy.

Jessica Madsen is a bold choice for Gunnhild in Bloodaxe

Jessica Madsen brings both edge and empathy to every role. In Bridgerton, she portrayed Cressida Cowper, a sharp mind wrapped in silk and scandal. That performance showed she can balance cunning with emotional depth.

Now, as Gunnhild, Madsen faces not flags or gossip but power plays that shaped medieval Norway. She’ll explore ambition through court alliances, betrayal, and mystical suspicion. This isn’t just a role, it’s a crucible, demanding a performance that blends warmth, ruthlessness, and survival instincts.

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